The GAMDIAS Kratos M1-750W PSU Review: For Style Over Substance

Power Supply Quality

As part of our testing, we also check output parameters are within specifications, as well as voltage ripple and line noise.

The electrical performance of the GAMDIAS Kratos M1-750W is more complicated than usual. While the unit is not heavily loaded, the power quality is unsurprisingly mediocre, as expected of such a simple platform and low-priced unit.

But as we take our readings while the unit is operating inside our hotbox, the high thermal stress at maximum load wreaks havoc on the power quality figures of the PSU, which barely stay within the design guide recommended limits. As such, we can see the voltage ripple on the major 12V line exploding from 40 mV all the way to over 100 mV over just 20% of the entire loading range.

Cross-loading the unit also causes the minor lines to fluctuate heavily, a distinct feature of all group-regulated platforms. Newer group-regulated platform designs are significantly improved, but they are not capable of entirely overcoming that obstacle. As modern systems heavily rely on the 12V line alone, this means that the chance of having poor power quality in a modern system is very high. Voltage regulation is passable, at 2% on the 3V and 12V lines, and 3.6% on the 5V line.

As part of our standard testing, we test the primary protections of all PSUs we review (Over Current, Over Voltage, Over Power, and Short Circuit). All of the protections of the GAMDIAS Kratos M1-750W engaged. The OPP protection is set a bit high, at about 120% of the unit’s rated capacity, which is not abnormally high for typical designs but it is placing unnecessarily high stress on a unit that runs at such high temperatures.

Conclusion

The Kratos M1-750W power supply unit exhibits a mixture of strengths and weaknesses that should be carefully considered by potential buyers. When assessing its build quality, it becomes apparent that it falls into the category of average – the range in which most PSUs fall. The OEM/ODM behind the Kratos M1-750W is Andyson, a reputable designer and manufacturer of PC PSUs, but it is important to highlight that this power supply relies on an older platform with only minor upgrades and outdated topologies. This aspect may impact its long-term viability and compatibility with newer hardware. While the capacitors used in this unit do not originate from well-known Japanese brands, it is worth noting that they are of good quality, as most of the unit’s critical components are.

Power quality is a crucial factor for any PSU, and the Kratos M1-750W delivers middling-but-acceptable power quality, which aligns with its low-cost positioning. Voltage filtering is passable under normal operating conditions but can deteriorate significantly when the PSU is heavily loaded for prolonged periods, primarily due to thermal stress. Moreover, the voltage regulation is only average, and its cross-load performance suffers due to the group regulation topology. In terms of energy efficiency, it merely meets the 80Plus Bronze requirements, without any remarkable performance by today's standards.

Thermal performance is another area of concern, as the Kratos M1-750W tends to operate at high temperatures, especially when subjected to heavy loads in hot environments. This was not unforeseen, but it can potentially affect its long-term reliability and lifespan. Noise levels also come into play, with the unit remaining virtually noiseless when operating in a cool environment under low loads. However, noise levels can escalate significantly under heavy loads, particularly within hot environments, which may not be ideal for users seeking a quiet computing experience.

Finally, when evaluating the value proposition of the Kratos M1-750W, it becomes clear that its normal retail price of $80 is not a good match for the performance it offers. Either GAMDIAS or Amazon seems to be aware of this as well, and as a result the latter currently has the PSU on sale for a much more wallet-friendly $60.

Overall, the Kratos is aimed as system builders who are after a budget power supply, but still want to prioritize extravagant aesthetics and addressable RGB lighting over performance and efficiency. All which is a valid market, but it makes pricing critical, since under the hood it's still an entry-level 80Plus Bronze design in a hyper-competitive segment. To that end, at its current sale price the Kratos is likely to find a niche among mid-range PC builders looking for a visually striking PSU. Otherwise, builders seeking better power performance and/or intend to use high-end GPUs should be advised to aim a bit higher.